Police: Dead Castleton man identified as Patrick Farrow - Updated 9:33 p.m.
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Patrick Farrow, 66, owner of Farrow Gallery and Studio in Castleton, was found dead late Monday night. |
Toolbox
By Brent Curtis
STAFF WRITER - Published: June 16, 2009
CASTLETON — State police spent the day Tuesday investigating the death of Patrick Farrow, but had little to say about how the sculptor and brother of actress Mia Farrow died.
State police were called to the 66-year-old’s home late Monday night by a woman inside the house who dialed 911. On Tuesday, investigators and forensic teams worked from a mobile crime lab parked at the back of the converted church that serves as both Farrow’s home and a gallery for his sculptures.
Farrow shared his home with his longtime wife Susan Farrow.
The artist’s death came as a shock to townspeople, who said he and his wife were a familiar sight walking the length of Main Street together every morning.
“They were always so pleasant,” said town office employee Mary Ann Jakubowski. “Quite a few people have been calling in today wanting to know what’s going on.”
State Sen. William Carris, a longtime friend of Farrow’s, said the artist’s friends and family were distraught over his death, especially his wife, who Carris said was “devastated.”
“He was a good friend who cared more about his family than anyone I know,” he said. “He was a great husband, father, artist and world citizen.”
Farrow worked as a professional sculptor for more than 35 years and he was a fellow in the National Sculpture Society. For Rutland residents, his most recognizable piece is “The Leash,” a sculpted dog tugging on an invisible chain.
The piece is a permanent resident of Depot Park in the city’s downtown.
Farrow was also active in the city’s political life, running two unsuccessful campaigns for a seat on the city’s Board of Aldermen, and he was an outspoken opponent of the Vicon incinerator trash-to-energy-plant proposed for Greens Hill Lane.
On the world stage, Farrow spoke out against the war and occupation in Iraq and he was in the news last year commenting on the death of his nephew, Army Sgt. Jason Dene, who died during his third tour of duty in Iraq.
On Tuesday, yellow crime tape cordoned the property and a trooper stood guard at the entrance to the driveway. But by the end of the day, the tape and the trooper were gone and investigators were amending initial statements that labeled Farrow’s death as “suspicious.”
“It’s more undetermined than anything,” said State Police Detective Lt. Tim Oliver. “There are just a few suspicious elements we’re looking at.” Oliver also said police have made no arrests and have no suspects in the case. He also said the public is in no danger.
State police spokeswoman Tara Thomas used even stronger language to characterize the circumstances Tuesday night.
“My understanding is it’s not considered foul play but it’s still considered suspicious until the autopsy is complete,” Thomas said.
Rutland County State’s Attorney James Mongeon, who visited the scene Tuesday, referred all questions to the police.
brent.curtis@rutlandherald.com
For more photos, click on the gallery link to the right.